Lakeville Council Explores Orchard Future, Housing Partnership
The Lakeville City Council held discussions on three major initiatives Tuesday evening: the potential annexation and zoning of Applewood Orchard, a new pedestrian safety policy, and a partnership to administer affordable housing funds. No votes were taken, but council members signaled openness to moving forward on all three fronts.
Chris Fuller of Endurance Farms presented plans to acquire Applewood Orchard, currently located in Eureka Township, and expand its agri-tourism operations. The company wants to add an activity yard, more food and beverage options, and educational components while maintaining the property's agricultural character. Fuller clarified that "mechanical rides" mentioned in earlier township discussions referred only to hayrides, not amusement park attractions. The primary concern for the buyers is securing long-term zoning that permits agri-tourism operations, either by remaining in the township or by annexing to Lakeville. Council members expressed a preference for preserving agricultural zoning and exploring creative solutions without immediately planning for industrial conversion, though one resident raised concerns about transparency regarding potential future industrial use.
Staff presented a comprehensive new pedestrian safety policy developed through extensive public engagement and data collection. The 24-page policy introduces engineering solutions like pedestrian refuges—safe islands that allow pedestrians to focus on one direction of traffic at a time—and curb extensions. Improvements are planned for locations including 175th Street and the intersection of Irvine Avenue and 190th Street. Council members praised the thorough, data-driven approach and acknowledged the proactive work being done to enhance safety throughout the city.
Representatives from the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) presented options for Lakeville to partner in administering Local Affordable Housing Aid funds. Three programs were proposed: enhancing an existing housing rehabilitation program offering zero-interest deferred loans, establishing a radon mitigation grant program, and providing gap financing for affordable housing development, including partnerships with Habitat for Humanity. The CDA emphasized its 30 years of experience administering housing dollars and audit capabilities. Council members expressed general support for a partnership but sought clarification on funding flexibility and local control over project approval. The CDA indicated it would need a multi-year commitment from the city to justify staffing increases. Staff will continue discussions with the CDA to develop a formal partnership proposal.
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Votes (3)
Applewood Orchard Introduction and Discussion
Chris Fuller of Endurance Farms presented plans to acquire Applewood Orchard, maintain its agri-tourism traditions, and invest in expansion, including adding an activity yard, more food/beverage options, and educational components. He clarified that 'mechanical rides' mentioned in previous township discussions referred to hayrides, not amusement park rides. The primary concern for the buyers is to secure appropriate long-term zoning, either through continued township agricultural zoning or, if annexed to Lakeville, a zoning that permits agri-tourism with potential future industrial conversion. Council members expressed a preference for preserving agricultural zoning and exploring creative solutions without immediately planning for industrial conversion.
Pedestrian Crossing Policy
Mr. Johnson presented an overview of the Pedestrian Safety Assessment Study, emphasizing its data-driven, transparent, and user-friendly approach. The study incorporated extensive public engagement (Earth Day event, waffle breakfast, project website, youth advisory committee) and data collection. Key improvements highlighted include the use of pedestrian refuges, reduced pavement crossing widths, and curb extensions. The new 24-page policy aims to guide future projects, integrated with Capital Improvement Program (CIP) schedules, and can accommodate standalone projects or partnerships with entities like school districts. Council members appreciated the comprehensive and proactive nature of the study.
Local Affordable Housing Aid Discussion
Tony Sherer and Lisa Elson from the Dakota County CDA presented how Lakeville could partner with the CDA to administer Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) funds. Three main program options were outlined: enhancing the existing housing rehab program (0% deferred loans), establishing a radon mitigation grant, and providing gap financing for affordable housing development (multi-family and single-family homeownership, e.g., Habitat for Humanity). The CDA emphasized its audit-proof administration and experience. Council members inquired about flexibility in funding decisions, long-term commitments, and the ability to direct funds to specific local projects. The CDA indicated a need for commitment to justify staffing increases and discussed the collaborative nature of fund deployment.
Notable Quotes (12)
they never mentioned anything about the right about having the right to convert to an industrial zone or industrial commercial use which is on your agenda this evening.
the intent behind these requests I believe both at the township level as well as at the city level is that they don't ask your annexation they remain in the township where they do ask for annexation and desire to become part of Lakeville boundaries is to have the underlying land use in a manner at which they can continue operating as they are today as well as expanding their business.
are you planning to have an anti-gravity roller coaster at this property the answer is no you have no intention of doing that.
my preference would be an agricultural zoning that allows for this kind of event uh and tourism venue without the need for looking at a different zoning.
having the industrial with that rural overlay would allow for that use that rural overlay is used in areas that aren't being served with Municipal services.
it's not a materialistic difference between the policy adopted in 20 and the one that's being proposed to tonight but it's more thorough it's more comprehensive it's more user friendly and it's really uh sequential and following all the different options available to us.
introducing what we call a pedestrian refuge and what that basically does is that helps pedestrians limit their focus of their lens to One Direction of traffic at a time provides them a safe Refuge outside of the moving traffic.
knowing it's not just I I never thought this but I think sometimes if you're not in the Weeds on this kind of work you think nothing is being looked at or done but I do appreciate all that to so thank you.
the CDA has a history and experience in administering dollars for affordable housing so we are used to 30 years of audit to make sure that we're hitting the targets that policy makers have outlined.
the legislation if you um have had any interest in reading it it's very very broad there's not a lot of detail in there and it provides a lot of excitement a lot of options a lot of ideas to generate them.
I think that we need to think about a site in Lakeville so what if we decide two years from now or a year from now we want to build an apartment but we're going to pull back our commitment how does that impact.
I'd like to personally I like to look at a mix like how we can still support the K the CDA but then if some of these other projects from pop up I'd like to be all participated so long as the B that side what's nice about habitat is they have the infrastructure to do that affordable home model.
Ordinances & Resolutions (14)
A requested change to allow mechanical rides and farm states for Applewood Orchard at a Eureka Township public hearing.
A planning document considered by Endurance Farms for infrastructure development near Applewood Orchard.
A planning document considered by Endurance Farms for infrastructure development near Applewood Orchard.
Minnesota's definition of agri-tourism and a proposed definition by Endurance Farms for local zoning.
A current zoning district in Lakeville that may not be the right fit for Applewood Orchard's proposed uses.
A proposed zoning overlay for an industrial district that would allow agricultural use in Lakeville where municipal services are not yet available.
Previous study adopted by the council that laid the groundwork for the current pedestrian safety efforts.
The comprehensive study being presented, which aims to provide a data-driven process for pedestrian safety improvements.
The 24-page policy document resulting from the pedestrian safety assessment study, designed to be more comprehensive and user-friendly.
Regularly scheduled updates every 10 years, where land use and zoning could be reevaluated.
State funds derived from a quarter-cent sales tax, which the Dakota County CDA is offering to help administer.
Federal funds currently administered by the CDA for cities, serving as a model for LAHA fund administration.
A document providing guidance on LAHA funds, which still leaves some open questions regarding specific rules.
A legal instrument being drafted for a partnership between cities and the CDA for LAHA fund administration.
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Other Topics from This Document
Pedestrian Crossing Policy Update
Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) Discussion
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